Water main break shuts Mountain Boulevard in Watchung

Watchung Police have blocked a portion of Mountain Boulevard across from the lake after a water main under the eastbound shoulder broke early this morning. Photo by Warren Cooper

WATCHUNG — A water main break on Mountain Boulevard, across from Watchung Lake, has the road closed between Rock Road and the Watchung Circle.

Police are on the scene as are crews from New Jersey American Water Company making repairs.

Police are detouring traffic around the affected area, sending eastbound vehicles up Rock Road and away from the circle at Somerset Street.

Officials said the road would likely remain closed through rush hour tonight as repairs could continue until about 6 p.m.

According to borough police, the break in the main under the westbound shoulder of Mountain Boulevard occurred at about 6 a.m.

Water spouting from the foot-long crack in the main rushed to the surface, flooded the road, buckled the pavement and washed rock, dirt and debris along the shoulder toward the circle, eroding a ditch about 25-feet long.

Crews from New Jersey American Water Company say the repair to the main water line could continue through rush hour tonight. Photo by Warren Cooper.

Police barricades and detour signs are already in place.

Shortly after the break occurred, a police cruiser parked at the shoulder slid into a sinkhole as the pavement caved in and had to be towed, according to police.

Mayor Gerald Mobus said that damage to the vehicle is less than was originally feared.

According to police on the scene, the cruiser is the newest in the department’s fleet.